Smaller and lighter than the E-P3, the E-PL3, or Olympus PEN Lite, sits in the middle of the new range.
A newly designed shutter unit has been designed to fit into the smaller body and also allows for high-speed shooting at 4.1 frames per second with image stabilisation or 5.5 frames per second without.
The E-PL3 shares the same TruePic VI image processor and world's fastest autofocus system as on both the new E-P3 and E-PM1 (Mini) cameras. As with all PEN cameras, the PEN Lite has image stabilisation built into the body.
Six art filters can be found on the Lite, including Pop Art, Soft Focus and Diorama along with several other effects including the new Starlight and White Edge settings.
Unique to the Lite in the new range, and for the first time on any PEN branded camera, is the tilting 460,000 dot Hypercrystal LCD rear screen.
Above: The PEN Lite's 3in 460,000 dot Hypercrystal LCD screen dominates the rear of the camera
Capable of tilting up to 80 degrees upward and 45 degrees downward, it is designed for shooting in awkward positions, but is not touch-screen as on the E-P3. The screen can also be configured to a 3:4 aspect ratio to support shooting at a portrait angle, as it cannot be rotated.
Above: The PEN Lite's LCD screen can be tilted up or down
Due to its condensed size, the Lite loses its scroll-wheel from the back of the camera, but keeps the same wheel on top as the E-P3 which allows for P,A,S,M modes to be selected along with scene, movie and art filters.
Although the PEN Lite doesn't have a built-in flash, it is supplied with a small flash that can be slipped into the hotshoe.
The Olympus PEN E-PL3 (Lite) will be available from late summer in 4 colours – red, silver, white or black. The recommended retail price is yet to be confirmed.
